However, Jon Heyman of Fancred reported some plot-twisting news Friday:

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman

Have heard there is indeed a mystery team in Manny derby, and also recently heard that team had the high bid (impression also was that the surprise team wasn’t necessarily his preferred landing spot but maybe $ will decide) https://t.co/Im9JgVyPWQ

He also spoke of a mystery team in a Jan. 11 tweet:

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman

Machado camp is telling some folks there’s a mystery team in addition to Chisox, Phils. Validity is unknown.

The Phillies' interest in Machado is not a mystery, so if Heyman's report is accurate, then Philadelphia has not offered the highest price for the four-time All-Star's services.

Sports Illustrated and Mike Axisa of CBS Sports both guessed that the Machado mystery team is the San Diego Padres, although they don't seem to be on the odds ledger right now.

If the Phils do land Machado, they'll be in good shape for a run at an NL East title. The Phillies led the division into August last season before wilting in the late summer and early fall.

However, Heyman also reported that the Phils may prefer free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper over Machado, and Bob Nightengale of USA Today said that the team may look to sign Harper, free-agent southpaw starter Dallas Keuchel and free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel.

While Machado may not land in Philadelphia, odds seem high that the Phils make a big splash with someone before pitchers and catchers report for them Feb. 13.